It seems now that you can get almost everything here at home for a price that is similar and it is rare other than Blanton's that you can get it on island and not here. I quit bringing liquor back, which also allows us to do carry on only. Note that I live near Oregon where it is less than Washington which has the highest liquor taxes in the US.
Recently I had to go to the doctor for elevated blood pressure and one of his questions was how much I drink, so I told him 4 or 5, he said "that is not bad for a week". I then had to tell him I thought it was per day. He then in a bit of shock said you are drinking 4 or 5 beers a day? I said "whoa, I didn't know you were including beer in that number".
Interesting, because I love dealing with Gulu and Vanita. On longer trips for on island liquor we make a stop there. You certainly got a good price for that rum but usually or often it is less than $20 difference and to me going back to the Pacific NW it's not worth hauling it and having to check bags. I do get with you being Scuba Steve you already are checking bags.
If you are looking for a really smooth sipping rum, may I suggest that you try Eldorado 25 year old Guyanese rum? Not sure if you can get it in the USA but do know that the liquor stores in this province sell it. Not cheap but absolutely superb in taste.
I have never heard of the 25 . The best I've seen here is the 21 year old which I usually have in my home . In fact I am opening a bottle tomorrow with a friend who also keeps some in stock. George
Some Ontario liquor stores carry the 25 year old. It costs $550.00 a bottle here. My husband came from Guyana and any time a family member goes home to Guyana, they bring back the 25 year old stuff by the case, pay the duty and hand it out. Superb taste.